15 MPs accepted RWC tickets from SkyCity

Labour Party members, including leader David Shearer, accepted Rugby World Cup tickets from SkyCity, despite strongly criticising a proposed deal between the Government and the casino operator.

Prime Minister John Key says he is surprised that Mr Shearer accepted tickets for the New Zealand- hosted tournament in 2011 from SkyCity, given Labour's vehement opposition to the proposed convention centre.

The Government is negotiating with SkyCity to build the convention centre in central Auckland in return for more gambling machines.